Holiday Planning and Budgeting
Planning is everything
Close Encounters is pleased to assist you at every stage of the holiday planning process, but it's helpful if you've given a little thought to where you'd like to visit, what you'd like to do and how much you want spend before you contact us.
Budgeting for Your Holiday
Close Encounters organises travel for a wide range of clients, from GAP year students to honeymooner and others planning a once in a lifetime holiday. The cost of African holidays arranged by Close Encounters therefore varies enormously, from under £50 per day for a public transport holiday staying in budget accommodation to over £1,000 per day for an elephant back safari staying at Abu Camp. A budget of £3,000-3,500 per person would be appropriate for those planning a classic safari, although it is possible to spend significantly more by staying in the most exclusive safari lodges. For those whose budgets don’t meet their aspirations, there are significant saving to be made by taking advantage of seasonal or late availability offers.
Throughout the site, guidance is provided as to the cost of accommodation and associated activities:
$$$$$ - Budget Accommodation
$$$$$ - Bed and Breakfasts and Guesthouses
$$$$$ - Standard Grade Hotels and Safari Lodges
$$$$$ - Luxury Hotels and Safari Lodges
$$$$$ - Exclusive Resort Hotels and Safari Lodges
You'll find occasional examples of accommodation or activities which have been given a $$$$$+ designation, indicating a cost in excess of £1,000 per person per night for a trully exceptional experience - a stay in a beach front lodge with personal butler on a private Indian Ocean Island or a mokoro safari, paddling throught the Okavango Delta in a traditional dug-out canoe.
Planning Your Holiday
If you’re planning your first trip to Africa, it’s worth spending some time exploring the site and deciding where to visit and what to do on your holiday. First time visitor or Africa veteran, once you’ve gathered a few holiday ideas, contact Close Encounters and one of its specialist travel advisers will tailor an itinerary for you which includes your chosen activities and destinations, and is within your budget. As an Africa travel specialist, Close Encounters is confident that it can match, and on most occasions beat, the price that you would be offered by booking your holiday accommodation and activities direct.
Close Encounters offers:
- Unparalleled experience in organising safaris, holidays and weddings in Southern Africa
- A dedicated travel advisor to help plan and arrange your holiday for you
- Individual itineraries that include only the destinations and activities of your choosing
- A wide choice of travel options, holiday accommodation and activities to suit most budgets
- Prices that are the same as, or often less than, you'd obtain bu booking direct
- Protection of your flights and holiday via ATOL and/or the Travel Trust Association
- Practical assistance in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during your trip
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